Best Online Associate in Logistics Programs of 2023
Logistics workers help with supply chain management, inventory tracking, and negotiations. You can learn how to improve business processes and customer satisfaction by getting an associate degree in logistics.
Why This Matters
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23% OF LOGISTICS ANALYSTS HAVE ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Around 23% of logistics analysts hold an associate degree, and just 5% have no undergraduate degree at all.
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THE U.S. NEEDS 8,200 MORE LOGISTICIANS BY 2029
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 4% increase in employment for logisticians over the next 10 years, which equals 196,400 jobs.
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EARN $76,270 PER YEAR AS A LOGISTICIAN
While the average high school diploma holder working in transportation and supply chains earns $34,340 per year, logisticians enjoy a median annual salary of $76,270.
Our Research
This list focuses on the best associate degree programs in the United States. Upon completion of a program, most students receive an Associate of Applied Science in Logistics and Supply Management or Logistics and Operations Management. We only reviewed programs that offer online or hybrid learning formats.
To help ensure the quality of our selections, we narrowed our focus to accredited institutions. Most of the colleges on our list are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which evaluates schools in the southern United States based on six core values: integrity, peer-review, student learning, quality improvement, accountability, and transparency. Regional accreditations are often required for professional credentials.
- 75 hours to write this article
- 28 universities and colleges we assessed
- 43 education programs we compared
The Top 50 Online Associate in Logistics Programs
What You Should Know About This Degree
Before pursuing a degree in logistics, it’s important to understand the difference between this field and supply chain management. While supply chain management handles the coordination of supply chains as a whole, logistics focuses specifically on the transportation and storage of goods.
Students interested in professional credentials should look out for institutions that have regional accreditations. For instance, learners in the south should search for schools accredited by SACSCOC.
The pivotal role logisticians play in company profitability has contributed to an estimated 4% increase in employment over the next decade. Jobs are expected to increase from 188,200 in 2019 to 196,400 in 2029.
Although no licenses or certifications are officially required to be a logistician, it is recommended to gain certification through the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL). This is especially useful for associate degree holders, as they will be competing against candidates with bachelor’s degrees.
What’s Next?
Here are some questions to ask when researching online associate in logistics programs:
- Are courses offered synchronously or asynchronously? Online programs typically offer either synchronous or asynchronous course formats. Synchronous courses are virtual but have specific times for students to attend lessons. Asynchronous courses, on the other hand, have a much more liberal schedule when it comes to completing coursework.
- What licensing or certifications are required? While no certifications are officially required, many logisticians choose to obtain certification to help them stand out in the job market. The most common ones are offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL) and the International Society of Logistics (SOLE). They require candidates to pass an exam and have both academic and work experience.
As you prepare for your associate degree, keep track of your application deadlines, any materials you are required to submit, and your funding plans. There are many financial aid opportunities available, including scholarships, grants, work-study opportunities, and loans.